On Saturday( Hogmanay/New Year's Eve), my baby girl, Kerri, turns 30. OMG? Did I just say 30? Weird thing is, I can recall her birth as clear as a bell. Even now! I'm not too great at buying presents or indeed babbling on the phone, but one thing I do my damndest at is poetry and rhyme. That is the one sure thing that comes from my heart. So below is a dedication to the day my angel (eventually!) popped into the world. Alli Bally Bee.......
My one and only daughter, firstborn, little baby girl.
I recall that very morning, as the niggles started up
Held my breath, bit my lip, stared into my coffee cup
Uh-oh! The planned arrival's curiously making waves.
It only cramps a little bit, I must try to be brave.
Your dad met me at Maternity, a smile upon his face
A floppy rose in one hand, and a watch to set the pace.
Feeling quite uncomfortable, from sit, to stand, to sit
I didn't like the set up, not one single bloody bit!
He asked how I was doing and I lashed out with my tongue
For it felt I had an open brolly sticking up my bum!
You weren't too concerned about making your appearance
And all I wanted here and now was full-blown baby clearance!
Deliver us from pain and things, it was beyond a joke
Not even sweat stained lullaby's were able to evoke!
I huffed and puffed and panted, swore and knocked some flowers down
Prayed to God: '...just kill me now...', while in my labour gown.
You still maintained a lie-in, in no hurry to appear
While I told your dad he's 'in for it, when we get out of here!'
They offered pain relief for me, I took it and was grateful
But that just slowed the process down, how could they be so hateful!
Then 'crack ' you burst your bubble, water gushing all about
I felt worse than central reservoir, depleted and washed-out!
Now, I felt you coming, waves of chronic, gripping stuff!
Dilating me to number 10 - when 4 was bad enough!
But, yes, indeed, still here was I , the mid-wife quite confounded
I'd said good-night-and-morning twice, akimbo and abounded....
This baby was the champion, a sac of pure control
There would be no Miss-taking, Little Miss's future role!
So, where that strength was mustered, Heaven knows from where it came
I purged so hard, I soon saw stars and lighter I became.
You were swabbed and robed and measured, checked out quickly by the nurse
Who handed me sweet little 'you' and forgave my need to curse!
Twenty-seven long hard hours, it took you to comply
I kissed your bloodied forehead and the pain just waved goodbye.
But from the moment I first saw you - what a rush of pinking air.
A girl when they all said 'a boy', you made your mark from there!
A chubby little face you had and fingers long and thin
A heart that beat so very fast, a precious stone within.
The beginning of a story, chapters that just captivate
I don't believe in magic, just the power to create.
My perfect little baba, my funny, funny girl
An addition and a honour to this huge revolving world!
